Photo credit: Senator Risa Hontiveros

Senator Risa Hontiveros didn't hold back during Monday's plenary session, calling out the authorities after learning that dismissed Bamban, Tarlac Mayor Alice Guo had slipped out of the country last month.

The senator, visibly frustrated, questioned how Guo, who was under investigation, could leave the Philippines despite assurances from law enforcement that she wouldn't be able to flee.

"Who allowed this travesty to happen?" Hontiveros asked pointedly. “Hindi makakaalis si Alice Guo kung walang tumulong sa kanya na mga opisyal ng pamahalaan. Para tayong ginisa sa sariling mantika,” she said, underscoring her suspicion that some officials may have played a role in Guo’s escape.

In a Facebook post that quickly gained attention, Hontiveros revealed that Guo left the Philippines on July 18, 2024, heading to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Hontiveros shared a document as proof, showing that Guo entered Malaysia at 12:17 PM that day, with her Philippine passport details matching the records.

The senator also mentioned that Guo later went to Singapore, where she reportedly reunited with her parents and other family members.

Hontiveros didn't mince words when she questioned the integrity of the agencies involved. "What if law enforcement itself needs to be investigated? What if they dropped the ball? Paano kung sila ang dapat managot?" she asked, hinting at a potential investigation into those who were responsible for ensuring Guo remained in the country.

The senator emphasized that this incident makes a mockery of the country's laws and processes, saying, "Kung hindi po natin ito gawan ng paraan, parang nagpasampal tayo sa dayuhang ito na paulit-ulit na sinasaula ang ating mga batas, patakaran, at proseso."